Public Works Department

Operations Center1620 SE 8th AvenueCamas, WA 98607

360.817.1563

Sand and Sandbags Available to Camas Residents

The City of Camas will make sand and sandbags available for emergency use to city residents at 4010 NW Astor Street, near NW 38th Avenue, and southeast of the Camas Public Works Operations Center at 1620 SE 8th Avenue (sand is located at the corner of SE Polk and SE 9th Avenue). The sandbags are located in the garbage can near the pile of sand. This sandbagging location is "self-serve” with shovels available for use. Sandbags should be filled only half full. Smaller bags pack tighter and are easier to handle, thus avoiding back injuries. Overfilled bags are unstable when stacked and can leave gaps that allow water to flow through.

If water is pooling around a storm drain and beginning to cause localized flooding, provided conditions are safe, residents can help by raking leaves and debris from around the drains to allow the water to flow freely. While Public Works maintenance crews do respond to calls for assistance, during heavy rains, they may not be able to get to each storm drain as quickly as desired.

Here are a few safety tips for the rainy season: - Stay informed of weather conditions in your area- Avoid unnecessary trips during stormy weather and advise others of your destination- Avoid areas that are subject to sudden flooding- Keep children and pets away from creeks, flood waters and storm drains- Do not attempt to walk through flood waters or flowing streams; instead, turn around and go directly to higher ground- If in a car, drive away from flooded areas; never try to take a shortcut through them and if your car stalls, immediately abandon it and climb to higher ground- Do not "sightsee" in flooded areas- Do not try to enter areas closed off by local authorities- If flooding is likely, and time permits, move valuable household possessions to the upper floors of your home or to safe ground- Have emergency supplies on hand to last for at least three days; food, bottled water, first aid supplies, medicines, battery-operated radio and extra batteries- In flood-prone areas keep sandbags, plastic sheeting and other emergency building materials on hand for use